John McLellan (1968 - October 29, 2014)
An extraordinary musician; a truly original drummer and improviser in a language of rhythmic orchestration and dynamics, counterpoint in ideas, space, touch, spirit...
The recent passing of this dear friend and close associate of ours had a most profound affect on us all. The cause of his death was
Mesothelioma. I saw him for the last time on October 26th at Tuft's Hospital in
Boston.
I was first introduced to Johnny through violist Mat Maneri back in 2004. They already had a rapport going back many years, and a closely
related family style of improvisation which can only really be thoroughly understood through aural transmission, listening and first-hand
experience, rehearsals... Around the same time I also formed a quartet with Johnny, saxophonist Jonathan Moritz and
Eivind Opsvik
we called THE UP. It all made a
very deep impact on my development as an improviser, and will continue to.
For the sake of this work and dedication, I felt it necessary to organize the documentation I have of this history,
starting from the beginning.

WFMU RADIO BROADCAST
with Mat Maneri and John McLellanAugust 19, 2004, 2:00-6:00am, WFMU studios, Jersey City

Back in July of 2010 at a gig of guitarist Chris Welcome's quartet, I happened to have my camera with me and simply couldn't take
it off Johnny. He was killing me! On display for all to see... At his best. Taking the music to levels only he could. On the day of his
death, it suddenly hit me that it was time to release this footage. (For years I wasn't quite sure what to do with it, since it was
essentially focused on him.) Luckily I had just gotten it back, as it was on a hard drive which had recently broken and cost me hundreds
of dollars to get the data back from. It is the only video that exists of its kind, and a truly important document of his character
which needs to be more widely understood and appreciated. He is so beautiful, so brilliant, entranced, serving the music so fully,
so originally, so naturally. Watching it for me now is essentially prayer in his remembrance. I feel relieved that more people will
see and hear him in action like this now. Chris's music too and the playing of all involved is also so important, so deeply connected,
sympathetic, honest, inspired...
With love, I offer,